Akron Community Foundation
Vice President, Community Investment
Akron Community Foundation, Akron, Ohio, United States, 44329
Overview
Vice President, Marketing & Communications at Akron Community Foundation Position Summary:
The Vice President of Community Investment is a key member of Akron Community Foundation’s executive leadership team and is responsible for leading the foundation’s community investment strategies, including grantmaking, nonprofit partnerships and community leadership initiatives. This role ensures ACF's philanthropic investments are strategic, equitable, impactful and aligned with the foundation’s mission to improve the quality of life in Greater Akron. This role provides vision and oversight for all aspects of community investment, guiding the design, implementation, and evaluation of grantmaking programs while cultivating meaningful relationships with nonprofit organizations, donors, civic leaders, and community stakeholders. Reports to:
President & CEO
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Planning
Develop and lead a comprehensive community investment/grantmaking strategy aligned with ACF’s mission, strategic plan and values, in tandem with ACF’s overall current strategic plan.
Serve as a strategic advisor to the CEO and Board of Directors on philanthropic trends, community needs and grantmaking impact.
Collaborate with the leadership team to integrate community investment/grantmaking into organizational planning and donor engagement efforts.
Grantmaking & Program Oversight
Oversee all competitive grantmaking programs, including discretionary, field-of-interest, affiliate funds and special initiative funds, as well as proactive grantmaking programs.
Lead the development and implementation of equitable grantmaking practices, including transparent guidelines, impact evaluation and community-centered decision-making.
Manage relationships with affiliate fund boards and grant committees to ensure successful completion of their annual grantmaking efforts.
In partnership with Development & Donor Engagement Department, explore and develop collaborations with local and national funders to support programs in the community.
Community Engagement & Partnerships
Build and maintain trusted relationships with nonprofit leaders, grassroots organizations and other philanthropic partners.
Represent ACF in local and regional collaborations, initiatives, and coalitions that advance shared community priorities.
Identify opportunities for strategic partnerships and co-investment to leverage the foundation’s impact.
Research and understand community needs by participating in initiatives, meetings and events; study research from other organizations; engage with community members; and stay current with community publications.
Oversee ACF’s community needs assessments in collaboration with other organizations in Summit County.
Team & Operational Management
Lead, mentor, and support the Community Investment team to ensure excellence in program delivery, partnership development and operational efficiency. Manage day-to-day workflow of the team and department, in alignment with ACF mission and values.
Collaborate with Development & Donor Engagement Department, including the Center for Family Philanthropy, on processes and programs that enhance donor-advised fundholders’ knowledge of the nonprofit landscape.
Develop and manage the Community Investment Department's budget and resources.
Promote a collaborative, inclusive, and learning-focused team culture aligned with the organization’s culture.
Measurement & Learning
Oversee the design and implementation of evaluation tools to assess the effectiveness and impact of community investments.
Foster a culture of continuous learning and data-informed decision-making within the foundation and among partners.
Qualifications
Minimum of 8-10 years of progressively responsible experience in philanthropy, nonprofit management, grantmaking, community development, or related field.
Proven leadership and strategic planning experience, including managing teams and complex projects.
Deep knowledge of the nonprofit and philanthropic landscape in Northeast Ohio or a similar regional context.
Strong commitment to equity, inclusion and community engagement.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
Experience with impact measurement, evaluation and learning.
Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree in public administration, nonprofit management, social sciences, or related field preferred.
Strategic Thinking & Vision
Relationship Building & Community Collaboration
Cultural Competency & Equity Mindset
Community Leadership & Influence
Results Orientation & Accountability
Organizational and Internal Staff/Board Leadership
Strong Oral and Written Communications as well as technical expertise
How to Apply The salary range for this position is $115,000-$135,000 and includes a comprehensive benefits package. Please email your resume, salary requirements, references and portfolio links to the attention of John F. Garofalo, president and CEO, and send to
dpickett@akroncf.org
by Friday, October 10, 2025.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Vice President, Marketing & Communications at Akron Community Foundation Position Summary:
The Vice President of Community Investment is a key member of Akron Community Foundation’s executive leadership team and is responsible for leading the foundation’s community investment strategies, including grantmaking, nonprofit partnerships and community leadership initiatives. This role ensures ACF's philanthropic investments are strategic, equitable, impactful and aligned with the foundation’s mission to improve the quality of life in Greater Akron. This role provides vision and oversight for all aspects of community investment, guiding the design, implementation, and evaluation of grantmaking programs while cultivating meaningful relationships with nonprofit organizations, donors, civic leaders, and community stakeholders. Reports to:
President & CEO
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Planning
Develop and lead a comprehensive community investment/grantmaking strategy aligned with ACF’s mission, strategic plan and values, in tandem with ACF’s overall current strategic plan.
Serve as a strategic advisor to the CEO and Board of Directors on philanthropic trends, community needs and grantmaking impact.
Collaborate with the leadership team to integrate community investment/grantmaking into organizational planning and donor engagement efforts.
Grantmaking & Program Oversight
Oversee all competitive grantmaking programs, including discretionary, field-of-interest, affiliate funds and special initiative funds, as well as proactive grantmaking programs.
Lead the development and implementation of equitable grantmaking practices, including transparent guidelines, impact evaluation and community-centered decision-making.
Manage relationships with affiliate fund boards and grant committees to ensure successful completion of their annual grantmaking efforts.
In partnership with Development & Donor Engagement Department, explore and develop collaborations with local and national funders to support programs in the community.
Community Engagement & Partnerships
Build and maintain trusted relationships with nonprofit leaders, grassroots organizations and other philanthropic partners.
Represent ACF in local and regional collaborations, initiatives, and coalitions that advance shared community priorities.
Identify opportunities for strategic partnerships and co-investment to leverage the foundation’s impact.
Research and understand community needs by participating in initiatives, meetings and events; study research from other organizations; engage with community members; and stay current with community publications.
Oversee ACF’s community needs assessments in collaboration with other organizations in Summit County.
Team & Operational Management
Lead, mentor, and support the Community Investment team to ensure excellence in program delivery, partnership development and operational efficiency. Manage day-to-day workflow of the team and department, in alignment with ACF mission and values.
Collaborate with Development & Donor Engagement Department, including the Center for Family Philanthropy, on processes and programs that enhance donor-advised fundholders’ knowledge of the nonprofit landscape.
Develop and manage the Community Investment Department's budget and resources.
Promote a collaborative, inclusive, and learning-focused team culture aligned with the organization’s culture.
Measurement & Learning
Oversee the design and implementation of evaluation tools to assess the effectiveness and impact of community investments.
Foster a culture of continuous learning and data-informed decision-making within the foundation and among partners.
Qualifications
Minimum of 8-10 years of progressively responsible experience in philanthropy, nonprofit management, grantmaking, community development, or related field.
Proven leadership and strategic planning experience, including managing teams and complex projects.
Deep knowledge of the nonprofit and philanthropic landscape in Northeast Ohio or a similar regional context.
Strong commitment to equity, inclusion and community engagement.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
Experience with impact measurement, evaluation and learning.
Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree in public administration, nonprofit management, social sciences, or related field preferred.
Strategic Thinking & Vision
Relationship Building & Community Collaboration
Cultural Competency & Equity Mindset
Community Leadership & Influence
Results Orientation & Accountability
Organizational and Internal Staff/Board Leadership
Strong Oral and Written Communications as well as technical expertise
How to Apply The salary range for this position is $115,000-$135,000 and includes a comprehensive benefits package. Please email your resume, salary requirements, references and portfolio links to the attention of John F. Garofalo, president and CEO, and send to
dpickett@akroncf.org
by Friday, October 10, 2025.
#J-18808-Ljbffr